Virgin Comics and digital animation shop Perspective Studios are collaborating with acclaimed comic-book scribe Grant Morrison to launch a new intellectual property and animation franchise based on The Mahabharata, a classic myth from India. MBX will blend elements of an ancient world and incredible technology in telling the epic tale of two families at war as the fate of the universe hangs in the balance. A sneak peek at animation for the project is being presented at Comic-Con in San Diego this week.
MBX is a flagship title in the joint venture Virgin and Perspective formed in November to co-produce original animation and publishing properties. The companies expect to announce several animated MBX projects in the coming months, including a feature film and video game.
‘This is not a strictly accurate historical portrayal of events, but a poetic, fantastic interpretation of the original text,’ says Morrison. ‘The world of MBX is a place of incredible art and technology. This kingdom of sages, warriors, noble men and women is stronger, faster, fitter and smarter than we are, but still prey to the same emotional foibles that lead us all into disaster.’
Virgin and Perspective debuted an exclusive MBX trailer and a limited-edition sketchbook at Comic-Con on Thursday during a panel with comics legend Stan Lee. Grant Morrison’s MBX Sketchbook, (1000 copies only) features insight from the artist, concept art from Mukesh Singh (Jenna Jameson’s Shadow Hunter, Guy Ritchie’s Gamekeeper), script excerpts and more, and is being sold exclusively at the conference.
